Stubble burning increases in Punjab and Haryana

NEW DELHI: The stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana has increased from the last week and it will further increase as predicted by authorities. The CPCB predicted that the air quality is likely to become "severe" by the end of this month. The Supreme Court appointed environment watchdog EPCA is all set to bring out GRAP for the emergency category which would bring many more restrictions in the Capital.

"The air quality of Delhi is now very poor but whenever for more than 48 hours the air becomes severe, the GRAP for the emergency and emergency+ category will come in for action," said Anumita Roy Chowdhury, an Executive Director of Science and Environment (CSE). She added that The Supreme Court of India has directed that from October 15 to March 15, the GRAP will be in force in the NCR. Now the air quality is poor and the focus would be on basic measures but with time if the pollution rises the action plan will also shift to emergency categories.

The SC-appointed Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA) chairman on Monday asked chief secretaries of Delhi and NCR cities to step up enforcement of dust-control measures at construction sites.